Talking amongst ourselves in the office the other day, as security professionals who specialise in installing fire alarms, intruder alarm systems and CCTV in people’s homes, we got around to discussing what measures we take when leaving home for the day or for an extended period. The things as a professional home security company we recommend doing and those that we would definitely advise against.
We all live and work in the same neighbourhoods, so the points raised are relevant to everyone living in Birmingham and the wider Midlands area of central England.
Especially given that darker nights are fast approaching, here's a rundown on the key home security measures Justice Fire & Security staff have highlighted:
1. Posting your real-time location on social media
Never post that you are going on holiday or out for the night, to a concert, theatre etc.). Regarding your home security, don’t let the world know your every move.
It is much safer to post pictures of your holiday AFTER you have returned home – as tempting as it may be to provide real-time updates. Social media is great if it’s on a one-to-one basis, but don’t telegraph your movements to all and sundry.
2. Forgetting to lock windows and doors
The number of times that people forget to do these simple tasks can be an open invitation for a burglar to walk in through the door.
Although locking the front door may be second nature, securing other entry points like back doors and side windows is often overlooked.
3. Taking the same route whenever you leave home
We are all creatures of habit and part of that can involve travelling to and from work every day. If you make the same journey at the same time every day, this permits an observer to assess a good time to burgle your home during your absence.
So, if it is possible and practical, in order to prevent potential intruders from identifying your daily schedule, try changing your routes and times when leaving and returning home.
4. Leaving tools and ladders out
Ladders or tools left visible is an open invitation for burglars. It not only invites them to steal potentially expensive tools - the thief could also use them to break into your home. A ladder is just what they’d need to get through an open upstairs window for instance. make sure any such equipment is locked away and out of sight.
5. Keeping the porch light on during the day
This is a possible indicator that you're not home, especially if it is illuminated non-stop, day and night.
Wherever possible, set your lights on timers, giving the impression the house is occupied. These days, wi-fi compatible alarm systems enable you to turn your lights on and off remotely, or after a particular event. For instance, somebody walks up to the front door and rings the doorbell and five seconds later a light comes on inside the home.
6. Leaving mail and packages to pile up
An overflowing letter box is a major flag that the property is unattended.
To avoid this happening, either notify the post office to put a hold on mail deliveries whilst you are away or arrange for someone to stop by and take any post indoors. Also, remember to pause any subscription services, like newspapers and magazines.
7. Neglecting the garden
If the grass has grown to an untidy length, this is another indication that the house has been unoccupied for some time, which could certainly pique the interest of a thief.
If you don’t already have a gardener, it might be worth putting a friend or relative on mowing and plant watering duties in your absence.
8. ‘Hiding’ a key under the mat or flowerpot – big mistake
These obvious hiding spots will be the first place that burglars will check. If an intruder finds a spare key, it’ll be like giving them an open door to walk through – with no need to make a forced entry.
If you do need to leave spare keys for anyone, best to hand them out in person – and certainly not to just leave them under the front door mat.
9. Leaving your car parked in the same visible spot
Make your driveway appear active. If your car is parked on your drive and doesn’t move for a fortnight and there don’t appear any other comings or goings, this could arouse suspicion. Either arrange for someone to drive your car and re-position it or get friends or family to park their cars on your drive.
10. Set the Alarm
And if you already have a home security system in place at your property, do make sure it’s armed when you leave the house. When you are in a hurry, it’s easy to forget!
In summary
The trick is to make your home look as secure and normal as possible. Security measures like cameras, motion-sensor lighting and high-quality locks can make your home less appealing and accessible to burglars.
If you are away and have a smart security system, make your home go through the motions that it would normally go through if you were there. Use the system to turn on and off connected devices, like lights and the TV. And, if possible, have a friend check on the house every couple of days.
By taking these various precautions, it’ll make your home decidedly unappealing to any would-be burglar.
Prevention – the best approach to home security
As one of the leading security firms in central England, Justice Fire and Security have been installing intruder alarms, access control systems, CCTV and fire alarms in homes for many decades.
Fully accredited, we operate across Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and large parts of central England, covering major towns and cities like Wolverhampton, Coventry, Lichfield, Telford, Stoke, Stafford, Tamworth, Coleshill, Bromsgrove and Redditch.
If you are looking to update or improve your current home security arrangements, in the first instance, call our main switchboard on 0845 468 9077 and we can arrange a free site survey.
